Welcome to the United States A Guide for International Travelers by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and - HTML preview

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Arrival

With completed entry forms and travel documents in hand, go to the CBP processing area and select the appropriate line, for example, Visitors, Crew, etc. Please do not use cameras or cell phone cameras in the CBP processing areas.

When you get to the primary passenger processing booth, a CBP officer will:

• Review your documents.

• Run your passport through an electronic reader.

• Scan up to 10 of your fingerprints and take your photograph with a digital camera to establish and verify your identity. This US-VISIT requirement applies to all visitors between the ages of 14 and 79 with a non U.S. passport entering the United States, including visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. US-VISIT does not apply to U.S. citizens.

• Ask you questions regarding your trip.

• Ask you if you have anything to declare.

If the CBP officer has any concerns about you, your travel, or your documents, or if you are selected randomly for additional processing, the CBP officer will direct you to the CBP Secondary Area, where you may be interviewed further to determine whether you are admissible to the United States.

Baggage Claim

At the baggage claim area, pick up your baggage and proceed to the CBP checkpoint where a CBP officer will review your CBP Declaration Form 6059B, ask you additional questions, and send you to the cashier to pay duty or allow you to leave the terminal. A CBP officer may inspect the items you are bringing into the Navigating Passenger Pr country. For example, your baggage may be reviewed for agricultural products that are not allowed into the country.

Your CBP processing may include a personal search. If so:

• You should be treated in a courteous, professional and dignified manner.

• You may not be searched on any discriminatory basis, for example, because of your race, gender, religion, or ethnic background. However, a search based on citizenship or travel itinerary is not discriminatory.

• You will receive an explanation of the examination process as it occurs.

• A personal search can include a physical search of you and your belongings as well as verbal questioning. The U.S. Supreme Court has established that this questioning is legal and it not a violation of individual civil rights.

• Usually, you can request that CBP notify someone of your delay if you are detained more than two hours after the personal search has begun.

• If you feel you have not been treated in a courteous manner or for any other reason, you may request to speak to a CBP supervisor.